Cosplaying the Future at RenderCon

Tuesday, April 15th was one of those days that felt a little unreal—in the best way possible. I had the pleasure of cosplaying at RenderCon, an event hosted at Nya Studios in Hollywood. This was the first major in-person event by Render Network, and it focused on celebrating how technology and creativity collide. At the heart of it all? Star Trek, naturally.

The Roddenberry Foundation was there with something truly special—a fully immersive Star Trek experience. Their showcase offered us the chance to explore the bridges of every Starship Enterprise, Voyager, Deep Space Nine’s Promenade, and even a Romulan ship. With high-quality VR headsets and even an AR wall, it wasn’t just about watching—you were right there in the action. I may or may not have fully embraced the moment and sat in the captain’s chair.

Girafe with cosplayers Captain Koto and The Cmdr

The setup was stunning—screen-used costumes, incredible set recreations, and a camera-ready captain’s chair that made every cosplayer feel like they’d stepped straight onto the bridge. The attention to detail was undeniable. It wasn’t just a display; it was an invitation to step into the Star Trek universe we’ve all been dreaming about since we first saw that starship on screen.

765874: Unification stars Sam Witwer and Robin Curtis, who were also in attendance, met with fans and shared stories throughout the day. Later, Rod Roddenberry and Adam Nimoy hosted a panel on how Star Trek continues to influence technology and storytelling. They reflected on the franchise’s legacy and how the Roddenberry Foundation is helping shape the next steps in that journey.

RenderCon was more than just a convention—it felt like a glimpse into the future Star Trek has always promised: a world where imagination, connection, and progress move us forward. But with all the excitement over what’s possible, it’s hard not to pause and think about the world we’re heading into, especially with technology advancing faster than ever.

 While Star Trek inspires us to dream big, it also reminds us to approach the future with thoughtfulness. In a world where people are more cautious about how AI and other technologies are being used—especially in Hollywood—it’s not just about celebrating innovation, but also about shaping it responsibly. Star Trek’s vision of hope encourages us to move forward with care, awareness, and the belief that, together, we can build a future we are all proud of.